About Us

Background

The formation of the Barrier Free New Zealand Trust in June 1993 was in response to the perceived need to have an independent organisation which could oversee and co-ordinate access issues throughout New Zealand. Surveys of disability need in New Zealand showed that inaccessible facilities is one of the major obstacles to full participation and equal opportunity.

We are a charitable trust, made up of consumers and individuals with experience and expertise in local government, the building industry and the disability sector.

The Purpose of the Trust

The Trust aims to facilitate and encourage solutions for the provision of Universal Access for all people. Through training and education, the provision of technical advice, and overseeing the display of the International Symbol of Access (ISA), the Trust aims to be recognised both in NZ and internationally as being the leader of promoting the Accessible Journey.

The Trust’s Mission

The mission of the Trust is to encourage, promote and facilitate the creation of environments that are accessible and usable by everyone in the community, including people with disabilities.

In pursuit of this mission of Universal Access, the Trust has developed considerable technical expertise and established itself as first "port of call" for accessibility advice and information. It has registered an advisor network of accredited Barrier Free Advisors, operating nationally to assist in this work. These BFA's while independent consultants report regularly to the Trust on access matters.

Read more about the Current Focus of the Trust here...